Rabies warning: A case found in Adendorp

Update

ADENDORP NEWS - A dog from the village of Adendorp, 8km south of Graaff-Reinet, had to be euthanised after it was diagnosed with the rabies virus last week. A case of rabies is always a cause for concern, but what makes this even more worrying, is that the infected dog lived in a fenced-in yard in town.

At this stage, it is unclear as to how the dog contracted the virus, but the other dogs at the home, including a neighbour's dog, were euthanised as they all had contact with the infected dog.

The brain of the neighbour's dog was dissected and sent for tests. The residents of the homes have all been vaccinated against rabies as a precautionary measure.

The Department of Agriculture is offering vaccinations at the Graaff-Reinet City Hall tomorrow, 9 March, between 09:00 and 12:00. Everyone is advised to take their dogs to be vaccinated. The Advertiser will keep the public informed should more vaccination days be hosted by the department.

Only a few cases have been reported in the area over the last couple of decades, and according to the local veterinarian, Dr Natasja Burger of Camdeboo Veterinary Clinic, they have come to realise during the past week how shockingly little people know about this deadly disease.

Photo: Facebook

Dr Burger wrote the following information piece to ensure that everyone realises the dangers and how to act if they suspect an animal may be infected.

What is rabies?
Most people, when thinking of rabies, imagine a severely aggressive animal, foaming at the mouth. Surprisingly, rabies isn't always this obvious. It manifests in many different ways, with the animal sometimes displaying only a slight behaviour change and is often confused with other diseases like distemper virus (hondesiekte). Rabies can present itself in one of two forms, furious rabies or dumb rabies.

With the latter, the animal is mentally depressed and paralytic as opposed to being aggressive and agitated. We most often observe tame animals (pets) becoming aggressive and wild animals appearing to become "tame". So, never attempt to touch or pick up a wild animal that suddenly walks up to you and appears friendly.

How is rabies spread?
While any mammal is capable of contracting rabies, the animal mostly responsible for the spread of the virus in humans is the domestic dog. Wildlife such as the jackal, bat-eared fox, yellow mongoose and meerkat are often the source of infection in dogs.

Along with humans, other accidental victims we may encounter are cattle, horses, sheep, kudu and cats.

The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal which is most often through a bite, but even if the animal just licks a small open wound on a person's hand, it can infect that person.

Unfortunately, the disease is equally deadly in all its victims. This is the part that cannot be stressed enough; this is a deadly disease! Rabies has a 100% mortality rate and once symptoms start there is NO CURE! It is also considered to be one of the most excruciating ways to die.

How can we prevent rabies?
So what can we do to try and stop this disease from wreaking havoc? Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Our first responsibility as pet owners is to vaccinate our pets against rabies as they are the most common source of infection in humans.

A veterinarian will vaccinate your puppy or kitten against rabies at their 12-week injection, 1-9 months later, and then yearly after that. Puppies and kittens younger than 12 weeks can be vaccinated, especially if the mother was not vaccinated.

How is rabies diagnosed?
The only way to positively diagnose rabies is through a brain sample, which would require the animal to be humanely euthanised. There is no simple blood test that can confirm rabies in a human or animal!

If one pet on a property tests positive for rabies and none of the other pets on the property are up to date with their rabies vaccinations, it is required by law that all those pets are also humanely euthanised.

Fortunately, if the other pets are up to date (and not showing any rabies symptoms) they would only require another set of rabies vaccination boosters immediately.

What to do in case of exposure
Of course our number one priority in all of this is to prevent human fatalities. While there is no cure for rabies once symptoms start, we can protect humans from contracting the virus - firstly by vaccinating our animals, but if it is suspected that a person has been in contact with a rabid animal, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)* at a health care facility can be life-saving.

If there is no breach of skin and no bleeding, a full course of rabies vaccines is required, starting immediately - the sooner the better. A breach of skin or bleeding will necessitate the full course of vaccines and wound management which includes rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injected around the wound.

If rabies tests come back negative, PEP can be suspended, but rather start the PEP and stop it, than regret not getting anything at all.

Signs to look out for

Change in temperament, unprovoked biting/attacks, drooling saliva, snapping at imaginary flies, exaggerated responses to light and sounds, nervousness, self-injury, disorientation, wandering aimlessly, "bone in throat", paralysis, change in the way the dog vocalises (barks/howls).
Phone a veterinarian/state veterinarian immediately if you suspect an animal may be rabid.
Wounds should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and then cleaned with a 70% alcohol solution after which you should see a medical practitioner immediately and contact a veterinarian/state veterinarian.

Please ensure that your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccines and look out for announcements about rabies vaccinations campaigns hosted by the department of agriculture.

* PEP: Vaccination on days 0, 3, 7 and any day between day 14 and 28.

Dr Natasja Burger urges all dog owners to have their best friends vaccinated against rabies.